A Playlist For Your Wild Side

You've got a wild side, so why not celebrate it with a playlist about cowboys, outlaws and dangerous women? Here's a big ol' list to start you out. | Source

Is There An Outlaw In You?

Hey, cowboy (or cowgirl). Just between us, you can admit it: There's a bit of an outlaw in you — that wild, non-compliant streak that prompts you to behave recklessly.

Rules are for fools; they're to keep other people in line. You, however, like to live dangerously. You skip the instruction manuals. You take home the hotel shampoo and occasionally even a towel. Deadlines and due dates are mere suggestions, ain't they? (You'll get around to it when you please. Besides what are they gonna to do to YOU?)

Dang straight you're a maverick! You won't be bound by conventional expectations. You don't follow doctor's orders or choose strong computer passwords. Sometimes you skip your vegetables, and you refuse to floss. Ain't nobody gonna tell you what to do.

If this is you, pardner, why not celebrate your wild side with a playlist about cowboys, outlaws and dangerous women? Here's a big ol' list to start you out right. Now giddy up and go break some rules.

Songs About Outlaws

1. "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi

This 1986 hit pays homage to the Wild West, with the song's protagonist alluding to his tour bus as a "steel horse" and his six-string guitar as his loaded weapon of choice. It was 1980s big hair music at its finest.

2. "Renegade Runaway" by Carrie Underwood

Looks are deceiving, according to this 2015 song. The hard-hearted woman looks like an angel but she's an outlaw. She's "a devil in a satin dress" who will steal your heart, pride, and anything else you value before she makes her escape into the sunset.

"There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence." - Will Rogers, American cowboy and performer | Source

4. "Man Down" by Rhianna

In this haunting 2010 hit, Rhianna is a woman who has lost her temper and put a bullet into a man in front of a crowd at Central Station. She reaches out to her mother to express regret as she worries about jail time and being branded a criminal. Looks like someone's going to the pokey.

Reader Poll

Be honest. What's been your closest brush with the law?

If nobody's looking, sometimes I drive more than 5 mph over the speed limit.

The local sheriff's got my name.

Let's just say I've dropped a dime, been to the ding wing and watched the dinner and a show.

3. Mama Tried by Merle Haggard

Acknowledging he was a "one and only rebel child," Merle Haggard honors his long-suffering mother with this semi-autobiographical song from 1968. Growing up, Haggard's family lived in a converted railroad car. His father died when he was young, and his mother had to leave him in the care of family members so that she could work.

The rebellious teen served a two-and-a-half year sentence in San Quentin prison for burglary and other charges. Later, he was pardoned by then-governor of California Ronald Reagan. He reminisces about the bad old times here:

And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole.No-one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried.Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading, I denied.That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried.

To me, an outlaw is a man that did things his own way, whether you liked him or not. I did things my own way."

— Johnny Paycheck, American country music singer

5. "Desperado" by The Eagles

A desperado is a reckless and desperate person, particularly a criminal. This 1973 is about a loved one trying to talk some sense into a wandering, aging desperado by appealing to the need to be accepted for who you are.

6. “Renegade” by Styx

A wanted man has been taken in by bounty hunters in this 1979 song, and he confides in his mother his fears of death and revenge for the crimes he has committed. The outlaw faces death by hanging.

"Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men." - Harry Day, Royal Marine and POW | Source

7. “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle

Having been raised in the tradition of moonshiners and bootleggers, the protagonist in this 1988 song knows exactly what to do upon returning from Vietnam. He turned to raising marijuana. (This was back when marijuana was illegal everywhere in the U.S.)

8. "Just Like Jesse James" by Cher

Cher taunts her overconfident "outlaw lover" in this 1989 hit. Although he struts like he's "slinging a gun" and "shoots them all down" with his smile, the cocky fella has finally met his match in this tough broad:

Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose itTonight you're gonna go down in flamesJust like Jesse James.

9. "Take the Money and Run" by the Steve Miller Band

In this 1976 song, two young bandits shot a man during an armed robbery and are now on the run, with a lawman not far behind.

You're an outlaw, and you follow only your own rules, don't you? | Source

An Outlaw's Guide to Strange and Outdated State Laws

State

Prohibited Behavior

Punishment

Alabama

purchasing, possessing, or training a bear for the purpose of bear wrestling

a Class B felony, punishable by a fine, confiscation of the bear, and restitution to a humane society for animals

Florida

participating in or permitting dwarf tossing contests

$1,000 fine

Idaho

cannibalism: willfully ingesting the flesh or blood of a human being (except if it's the only way to survive)

up to 14 years in prison

Iowa

falsely portraying margarine or oleo as real butter

misdemeanor

Maryland

selling non-latex condoms via vending machine

misdemeanor; fine of up to $1,000

Michigan

adultery

maximum of 4 years in prison and $5,000 fine

Mississippi

using profanity in front of two or more people in public

up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $100 (dammit)

Oregon

leaving a container of urine or fecal matter by the side of the road or throwing it from a vehicle

class A misdeneanor

Rhode Island

purposefully biting off another person's limb

up to 20 years in prison

Virginia

sex with someone other than a spouse

Class 4 misdeanor

Source: Business Insider

"Cowboys are always better than other boys." | Source

Songs About Cowboys

Honky tonks are country music bars. Usually they're small and not too classy, but that's the way patrons like them. | Source

Reader Poll

Have you ever been honky-tonking?

10. "Friends In Low Places" by Garth Brooks

"Friends in Low Places" is the ultimate blue collar anthem about a man who shows up uninvited to an ex-sweetheart's wedding. She is marrying into the social elite, and this song gives a rambunctious middle finger to polite society.

The first time I heard this 1990 country classic was in Nashville before the row of bars on Lower Broadway became the huge tourist trap that it is today. A college buddy and I were calling it a night when we heard this Garth Brooks song belted out at high volume from a hole-in-the-wall bar named The Turf. It drew us in instantly. We stayed until closing time.

In those days, The Turf was a seedy corner bar that held maybe 50 people, mainly locals. (It was a low-class dive, so trashy that next door was a shop for sex toys). Struggling musicians and songwriters would often stop by The Turf to try their songs out on an audience. And sometimes established talents like Tanya Tucker would unexpectedly grace the small stage. Like Tootsie's across the street, you never knew who you'd meet there.

The bartender, Homer, donated the occasional pitcher of beer to us college kids, and we spent at least one night a week at the place until we graduated into polite society ourselves.

"Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won't adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is sign on as its accomplice." - Tom Robbins, American novelist | Source

11. "Family Tradition" by Hank Williams Jr.

Cowboys and rednecks alike love this 1979 song that recounts Hank Jr.'s rebellious lifestyle of drinking, smoking, and trying to step out of his famous daddy's shadow.

For years, Hank was the lead-in to ESPN's Monday Night Football, but in 2011 the entertainer was suddenly dropped by the network after he made comments comparing Obama to Hitler. Renegades aren't exactly known for their diplomacy.

12. "Cowboy Cassanova" by Carrie Underwood

Some things are too good to be true. According to this 2009 hit, that cowboy who looks like a cool drink of water is a dangerous man who will leave you brokenhearted and spent. You better high tail it in the other direction.

"It's better to be a has-been than a never-was." - Old Cowboy Saying | Source

13. "Beer for My Horses" by Toby Keith and Willie Nelson

This fun 2003 song celebrates a group of men who fight the injustice and evil forces in the world, then retire to the local saloon to raise their glasses.

14. "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy" by Big and Rich

In this 2004 song, two aspiring country music stars ride into Nashville on horses just like John Wayne. They hand out $100 bills and buy a double round of drinks for the bar. Confidently, they claim that "this town, ain't never gonna be the same." Then these dirty boys suggest that the pretty girls "save a horse, ride a cowboy."

15. "Should've Been A Cowboy" by Toby Keith

Toby Keith wishes he could time travel back to the Wild West in this 1993 song. Wanting to steal the hearts of young women, he imagines himself slinging a gun, singing campfire songs, and sleeping out beneath the desert stars.

16. "Cowgirls Don't Cry" by Brooks & Dunn

Cowgirls have a tough and resilient spirit, as depicted in this 2008 country song. The lessons a little girl learned from her cowboy father carry her through difficult times later in life. She reminds herself of his advice to suck it up and be strong:

It's gonna hurt every now and thenIf you fall get back on againCowgirls don't cry.

Songs About Dangerous Women

Are you a dangerous woman? | Source

What Makes A "Dangerous Woman?"

owns her sensuality

has her own opinions

seeks revenge when needed

can cuss you out like a sailor if you have it comin'

can shoot a gun or throw a punch

can tell a dirty joke

has tattooes in places that would make you blush

drinks whiskey (or beer straight from the can)

refuses to be anyone's pawn, "baby" or "honey"

How dangerous are you?

17. "America's Sweetheart" by Elle King

This 2015 song is a boisterous and unapologetic celebration to being wild, untamable and authentically oneself.

Elle King wears cowboy boots and is proud of her bad tatooes. She has the mouth of a sailor, and takes pride in breaking men's hearts. "What do you want from me?" she asks. "I ain't American's sweetheart, but you love me anyway."

Dangerous women come in all shapes, sizes and ages. | Source

Reader Poll

Tell the truth. Are you a "dangerous woman?"

Yeah, and you better watch yourself because I don't take nothin' off nobody.

18. "Dangerous Woman" by Ariana Grande

The protagonist in this 2016 song claims to be bulletproof, "locked and loaded," and a bad girl underneath as she seduces her man. She explains that all girls want to be like that underneath. Do they?

19. "She's So Mean" by Matchbox Twenty

The girl in this 2012 song is a hot mess, and the man who loves her does so even though she's got a wild streak that cannot be controlled. He says she's an "uptown, get-around, anything-goes girl" and a "hardcore, candy-store, gimme-some-more girl." She may not be the marrying type, but she certainly has him smitten.

20. "Black Widow" by Iggy Azalea

The lady in this song from 2014 is so crazy-dangerous she calls herself a "black widow." She threatens revenge in response to her lover's betrayals: "I'm gonna love you until you hate me." Obsessed with teaching him a lesson for messing with her heart, this bunny-boiling b*tch promises that what they have now is a fatal attraction.

21. "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse

The remarkable talent that was Amy Winehouse acknowledges in this autobiographical 2006 song that she's drowning her heartache in the bottom of a shot glass. Even though she knows she's out of control, she has refused attempts by caring others to send her to rehab for 10 weeks and makes excuses that her enabling father thinks she is fine.

Winehouse was proclaimed as "the pre-eminent vocal talent of her generation" by the BBC, and she continued her downward spiral until her 2011 death from alcohol poisoning.

Women have often been portrayed in both songs and literature as extremes, (i.e., as either an angel or demon figure). We can be both, or anything in between. | Source

22. "Natalie" by Bruno Mars

Natalie, a scoundrel of a woman, has stolen money from a vengeful man in this 2012 song. Now he's hot on her trail and shouting out a warning that she'd better run:

Little Miss Snake eyes ruined my lifeShe better sleep with one eye openBetter make sure to lock her doors'Cause once I get my hands on her ... .

23. "Witchy Woman" by The Eagles

The seductive enchantress in this 1972 song has been sleeping in the Devil's bed. The raven-haired beauty is restless, half-mad and dangerous to any man who falls under her spell.

24. "Kerosene" by Miranda Lambert

Look out for the spurned woman in this 2005 song. She says she's given up on love "because love's given up on me." Taking matters into her own hands, she's going to settle the score with her unfaithful lover and his no-good mistress. She sets them ablaze with kerosene, a lit cigarette and her mean streak. (No cheater is worth that!)

Have you noticed that in the last few years, there have been many songs about females seeking revenge and inflicting violence, especially after being betrayed? | Source

25. "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift turns the tables on her haters in this sultry song from 2015. She's a player whose love relationships are short-lived but intense. With a long list of ex-lovers, she promises "magic, madness, heaven, sin" to a sexy new beau.

26. "Super Freak" by Rick James

This 1981 chart topper by Rick James became a signature song for him and is on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. "Super freak" is the slang term for a very promiscuous woman. It describes a wild female groupie for which anything goes:

She's a very kinky girl,The kind you don't take home to motherShe will never let your spirits down,Once you get her off the street.

Dangerous women are often as enchanting as they are beautiful, and they have the power to command the attention of many men. | Source

27. "Dirty Diana" by Michael Jackson

This 1988 song describes a groupie whose closest brush with fame is to seduce singers or celebrities who come to town. She's not too choosy with her targets; sleeping with the boys in the band is close enough.

Seeking the lifestyle of a star, Diana waits backstage to offer up her body to anyone with prestige, and she has no regard for whether they're married. The song was one of Princess Diana of Wales' favorites.

28. "Not Ready To Make Nice" by Dixie Chicks

Sometimes it's dangerous to speak your mind. The Dixie Chicks found that out the hard way in 2003.

They were flying high as a Grammy-winning country band with cross-over appeal, but then during a London concert they made a political statement regarding the U.S. invasion of Iraq: "We don't want this war, this violence, and we're ashamed that the President of the United States (George W. Bush) is from Texas." While their London audience cheered, back home there was hell to pay in the form of protests, death threats and other backlash.

This 2006 song declares that they paid dearly for broadcasting their perspective, and although time usually heals wounds, they're still angry. They can can forgive but not forget. (Dangerous women never do.)

I'm not ready to make niceI'm not ready to back downI'm still mad as hell, and I don't have timeTo go 'round and 'round and 'round ... .

29. "Jolene" by Dolly Parton

Dangerous women are often as enchanting as they are beautiful, and they have the power to command the attention of many men. This 1973 song is about a wife confronting a stunningly beautiful woman who has captured the heart of her man. She begs the flame-locked beauty not to steal him away just because she can. The song is recognized as one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

There's a bit of a cowboy, outlaw or dangerous woman in all of us. | Source

30. "Goodbye Earl" by the Dixie Chicks

Dangerous women seek revenge when they need to, and this 2000 is about ultimate vengeance: murder. Two female friends conspire to kill their friend's no-good, wife-abusing husband after his domestic assault on her lands the wife in intensive care.

As payback, the women poisoned his black-eyed peas, wrapped his body in a tarp then stuffed his body in the trunk to dispose of at the lake. Yikes! That is dangerous.

Even More Songs About Cowboys, Outlaws & Dangerous Women

Song Title

Artist(s)

Released

31. Wanted Man

Ratt

1984

32. Cowboy

Kid Rock

1999

33. You Give Love A Bad Name

Bon Jovi

1986

34. Bad Girl

Donna Summer

1979

35. Dark Lady

Cher

1974

36. Black Magic Woman

Santana

1970

37. I Shot the Sheriff

Bob Marley

1973

38. Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys

Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings

1978

39. Keeps Gettin' Better

Christina Aguilera

2008

40. Heartless

Kanye West

2008

41. Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde

Travis Tritt

2001

42. Soldier of Fortune

Deep Purple

1974

43. I Told You I Was Mean

Elle King

2015

44. Cowboy Take Me Away

The Dixie Chicks

1999

45. Devil Woman

Cliff Richards

1983

46. Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress

The Hollies

1972

47. Dark Lady

Cher

1972

48. Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)

Garth Brooks

1989

49. The Cowboy Rides Away

George Strait

1984

50. Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)

Dan Seals

1986

51. I'm the Only Hell My Mama's Ever Raised

Johnny Paycheck

1977

52. Take This Job and Shove It

Johnny Paycheck

1977

53. I Wanna Be A Cowboy

Boys Don't Cry

1986

54. Church Bells

Carrie Underwood

2016

55. Maneater

Hall & Oates

1982

56. Bust Your Windows

Jazmine Sullivan

2008

57. Marie Laveau

Bobby Bare

1974

58. I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart

Suzy Bogguss

1989

59. Big Iron

Marty Robbins

1960

60. El Paso

Marty Robbins

1959

61. Band On the Run

Paul McCartney & Wings

1974

62. Blaze of Glory

Bon Jovi

1990

63. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Miranda Lambert

2007

64. Picture To Burn

Taylor Swift

2008

65. Like A Rhinestone Cowboy

Glen Campbell

1975

66. Cowboys To Girls

The Intruders

1968

67. Dark Horse

Katy Perry

2013

68. Ride Like the Wind

Christopher Cross

1979

69. Renegades

X-Ambassadors

2015

70. I Can Still Make Cheyenne

George Strait

1996

71. Jailhouse Rock

Elvis Presley

1957

72. Seven Spanish Angels

Willie Nelson and Ray Charles

1984

73. Before He Cheats

Carrie Underwood

2005

74. Vice

Miranda Lambert

2016

75. Somethin' Bad

Miranda Lambert (featuring Carrie Underwood)

2014

76. Hell On Heels

Pistol Annies

2011

77. Two Black Cadillacs

Carrie Underwood

2012

Do you know of a song that should be on this Cowboys, Outlaws & Dangerous Women playlist? Make a suggestion in the Comments Section Below.

Shyron - Great suggestions! Thank you for racking your brain for additions!

Shyron E Shenko 6 months ago

I know what is wrong with this niche site, if you see that you made a mistake you cannot correct it.

I do see that you have Devil Woman but not by Marty Robbins, and I don't see Marie Laveau by Bobby Bare, or El Paso by Marty Robbins.

Blessings again.

Shyron E Shenko 6 months ago

I guess you know by now that I love music and all the songs and hubs like this one.

A few songs are missing, like Suzy Bogguss' I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart or Marty Robbins' "Big Iron" or Johnny Cash's Devil Woman.

I really enjoyed this.

Blessings and hugs dear friend

FlourishAnyway 6 months ago from USA Author

cfjots - Thanks for reading and for the kind compliment!

cfjots 6 months ago from Conway, SC

Great article with a nice variety of songs

FlourishAnyway 6 months ago from USA Author

Elle64 - Thank you!

Elle64 6 months ago

Lovede it

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Faith Reaper - So glad you visited. I don't know how this one got popped over to the niche site so quickly. The whole thing is a mystery to me. I agree with you on protecting family, including my pets! Otherwise, I'm pretty docile. Have a wonderful weekend!

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Linda - Thank you so much for the kind kudos, especially since you are unfamiliar with many of these songs. It makes me wonder about the international popularity and appeal of some music.

Faith Reaper 7 months ago from southern USA

Hahaha Flourish, what a great list and you've brought back a lot of great music like "Take the Money and Run"by Steve Miller Band and Family Tradition and so much more. Well, I will confess that if anyone tries to harm my children (when they were small) or grands, watch out! Faith Reaper's horns will come out then LOL.

I love those cowgirl boots there with the crosses, and will confess too about being in a honkey-tonk a time or two back in the day.

Now, I will have some of these songs in my head when I go off to bed right now.

Wow, this hub went to the niche site fast! I was wondering why I had to log back in and noticed it is under the niche site.

AliciaC 7 months ago from British Columbia, Canada

This article is interesting, informative, amusing and visually attractive, like all your playlist articles. As usual, I know hardly any of the songs, but I always enjoy reading what you write!

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Devika - I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking a look.

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Heidi - We'll be looking out for you bear wrestling in Illinois! Thank you for the song suggestion! I added it. Have a great weekend!

heidithorne 7 months ago from Chicago Area

What a fun list! And thanks for the heads up on bear wrestling in Alabama. I better check the law here in Illinois. ;)

My favorite add to the list is "I Wanna be a Cowboy (and You Can be My Cowgirl)" from Boys Don't Cry (1986).

Thanks for the fun, as always! Have a great day!

DDE 7 months ago from Dubrovnik, Croatia

Hi FlourishAnway - I like the list! You shared a unique hub and with great display.

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

agusfanani - Thank you for reading and for sharing your favorite. I love the Eagles, although that preference shows my age! Have a lovely rest of your week!

agusfanani 7 months ago from Indonesia

You've written a really interesting list of songs. I love reading it and just for sharing that my favorite is Desperado from Eagle.

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Savvy - I love those songs too, and grew up on Hank. That dwarf tossing is terrible, isn't it? Those are people they are throwing! My daughter had a teacher who is one of the shortest people in the world and knowing that kind lady makes me mad when I see abuses like that on the big screen (Such as Wolves of Wall Street). The fine should be higher, I agree.

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Dig ail and my dog - Anything by Bon Jovi is good by me. I'm showing my age, but the big hair bands were so good!

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Linda - I'm about as much of a straight arrow as you are, I'd bet but it's fun to imagine.

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

MsDora - Call it vicarious living. Ive known a dangerous woman or two, enough to know I do not qualify. But the music is fun to imagine I'm sassiest than I am. Have a good week!

MsDora 7 months ago from The Caribbean

Fourish, some list you put together here! I guess that individuals who really want to express their wild side or their desire for revenge (but don't want others to really know who they are) can hide behind these songs. Great list.

Carb Diva 7 months ago

Wow, Flourish. You've taken me out of my comfort zone. Although I live in the country, I'm pretty much a city-slicker. Guess you'd have to say my song is "Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys."

However, if I ever go rogue, this is a great list!

Suhail and my dog 7 months ago from Mississauga, ON

Hi FlourishAnyway,

3 of my all time favorites are in here - Wanted dead or alive, Desperado, and Dirty Diana.

I am sure this must have been a tedious article to write, but I believe you had fun.

Regards,

savvydating 7 months ago

Love it. Sometimes I'm a wannabe renegade....sometimes. On the question section, I chose the person who "drives over 5 miles an hour." Ha! Guess I've got a way to go. Nevertheless, I love: 11) Family Tradition; (love that Hank); 26) Super Freak (Yup, showing my age.)and ; 46) Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress (Me in my younger days ;). What was that about dwarf tossing? Lol. That's not nice. They should be fined more.

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Bill - You're definitely a renegade! Thanks for stopping by.

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Frank - Glad you enjoyed it! Johnny Paycheck's "Take This Job and Shove It" is one of my favorites. Have a great week!

billybuc 7 months ago from Olympia, WA

My novella series is called "The Billy the Kid Chronicles." What do you think, is there an outlaw in me? LOL

What a great list of songs. Some of my all-time favorites are on this list...no shocker there, either. :)

Frank Atanacio 7 months ago from Shelton

I love it when you do this.. brings back musical memories.. I forgot about take this job and shove it..LOL thank you Flourish

FlourishAnyway 7 months ago from USA Author

Audrey - I sure miss Nashville! What a city of fun music, struggling stars and renegades! Thank you for visiting and for sharing.

vocalcoach 7 months ago from Nashville Tn.

A fun and enjoyable hub! We have plenty of 'Renegade' music here in Nashville. My two favorite videos are "Desperado" and "Friends in Low Places." I like the spurts of trivia you've combined with great videos! Sharing.